COVID-19
Federal Relief – The Restaurant Relief Fund is expected to open up next week and the SBA has released additional information in advance of the program’s launch. Applicants should register with the federal government using the System of Award Management (SAM) as soon as possible. More details.
Vaccines – The debate over “vaccine passports” is heating up. This week the Biden Administration indicated that it will not pursue a federal (national) passport, instead leaving it to states and the private sector to sort it out. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced his firm opposition to the concept this week as well.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Liability – Florida and Kentucky became the latest states to approve COVID-related liability protections for businesses.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Wages
Maryland – Senate-passed legislation requiring a living wage for workers of state contractors at airports, ports and other facilities passed the house and is headed to the governor’s desk.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Tucson, AZ – A coalition of groups led by Fight for $15 Tucson has begun the signature gathering process to put a measure on the local ballot in Nov. to raise the city’s minimum wage to $15/hr by 2025.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Labor Policy
Federal – The Biden Administration released its American Jobs Plan, a blueprint for upcoming discussions around a federal infrastructure package.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Labor Department – President Biden selected former Obama-era Labor Department Chief of Staff Seema Nanda to be the new Labor Solicitor.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Maryland – Legislation that is basically an essential worker “bill of rights” related to hazard pay advanced out of a house committee.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
California – A placeholder bill that was filed early in the state’s legislative session is starting to take shape. Among other provisions, it would create a Fast Food Sector Council that would establish wage and benefit rates and other workplace standards for quick service restaurants.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Amazon – The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has begun the process of tallying the votes in the highly watched unionization effort at an Alabama fulfilment center.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Google – The Alphabet Workers Union announced a settlement with the company.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Starbucks – The company reached a voluntary settlement with the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC) regarding allegations of racial bias in promotion practices.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Delivery
Tennessee – The senate passed legislation placing a 10 percent delivery fee cap on alcoholic beverages.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Alcohol
Mississippi – The governor signed legislation allowing for home delivery of beer, wine, and distilled spirits from restaurants and bars however the product must remain in its original container.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
North Carolina – The governor extended his executive order allowing cocktails to-go and delivery of alcohol through April 30.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Wisconsin – The governor signed legislation allowing restaurants and bars to serve cocktails to-go.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Misc.
Maryland – The senate passed a bill mandating the separation of food waste from other solid waste.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Montana – Legislation preempting localities from enacting any restrictions on packaging passed the senate and is on its way to the governor’s desk.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe